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Smallest species of deer born at Bristol Zoo Gardens

 

A baby pudu, the world's smallest species of deer, has been born at Bristol Zoo Gardens.

 

Infant Pudu at Bristol Zoo GardensThe baby southern pudu is just one month old and has recently ventured out into his paddock with mum and dad for the first time.

 

Born weighing just 1kg (2.2lbs), the tiny youngster is part of an international conservation breeding programme.

 

He now weighs around 2kgs (4.4lbs) and, as with all pudu fawns, has distinctive white spotted markings on his back which help to camouflage him.

 

Keeper and overseer of small mammals, Caroline Brown, said: "Our new arrival is still very shy and is staying close to mum, Bramble, and dad, Demitrio. He is still suckling, but is growing very well and will soon start eating greens, pellet and fruit.

He is also starting to explore the paddock independently and as he gets bigger he will become more confident."

 

Pudus are classified as a vulnerable species. They live in lowland temperate rainforests in Chile and south-west Argentina but their numbers have declined due to their rainforest habitat being destroyed and cleared for cattle ranching and other human developments, as well as natural predators such as pumas and foxes.

 

They are the world's smallest species of deer, standing at 38cm at the shoulder when fully grown and weighing around 9-15kg (20-33lbs). A male's antlers only grow to 10cm long.